Armaturjonsson is part of the Swedish industrial group Ernströmgruppen AB and specializes in systems and products for indoor distribution of pressurized water, heating, cooling, and installation materials for residential and commercial construction. Its portfolio includes plumbing solutions, sprinkler systems, and the well-known “pipe-in-pipe” system. 

In 2023, the company decided to bring in an Executive Interim Sales Manager through Incepto, partner of Valtus Alliance in Norway. The assignment was carried out by Freddy Eriksen, who, after completing his interim mission, was offered a permanent position. In this interview, CEO Thorn Fredrik Hemsen shares his thoughts on the assignment and Executive Interim Management. 

Why did you choose to engage an Executive Interim Manager?
“We faced a situation where we were underperforming in sales and losing market shares. There was internal disagreement about the right actions to take in order reverse the trend. When my sales manager resigned from the company, I tried to cover the role myself as both CEO and temporary Head of Sales for a couple of months. But it quickly became clear that we needed stability and full focus on sales. On the advice of Ernströmgruppen, I contacted Incepto, and that’s how we met Freddy Eriksen who got the assignment.”

Can you tell us a little about the assignment?
“We already had a good structure in place, but we needed someone to coach the sales department, create energy, and bring our plans to life. The task was very much about to “wake up a sleeping bear,”. Freddy had a clear mandate to make the necessary changes, and he developed the team, made some key replacements, and built a robust sales organization.”

How did the collaboration work in practice?
“Freddy quickly became a very well-liked leader, and the team chemistry was excellent. Although he was 65 years and the most senior person in the organization, age was never an obstacle – what mattered was that he fit in, contributed, and delivered results. In December 2024, he was therefore offered to stay on as permanent Sales Manager. The plan is for him to continue until the age of 70, which also gives us time for succession planning and shows that we provide clear career paths within the company. For us, diversity and the right competence are crucial.”

When should a company consider bringing in an Executive Interim Manager?
“When you need to drive change or lack internal capacity. An interim leader bring fresh eyes, experience from other industries, and contribute with energy and new perspectives. It’s easy to become blind to your own ways of working. For us, this was the second time we engaged an Interim Manager – we previously had an Interim CFO – and I would absolutely do it again. It’s an excellent solution.”

How was the collaboration with Incepto and Valtus Alliance?
“The process was very smooth and quick. Rolf Henrik Svendsen from Incepto was clear, supportive, and maintained close dialogue with us throughout the entire assignment. Communication and follow-up worked excellently. We are very satisfied with the collaboration.”